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If defining the most popular luxury SUV by sales numbers, the Lexus RX is the best-selling midsize luxury SUV. The BMW X5 is a close second as one of the best luxury SUVs for 2022. The X5 is ranked far above the RX if you ask Consumer Reports. Does that make the most popular luxury SUV not the best option?

The most popular luxury SUV and the best luxury SUV
The Lexus RX luxury SUV and the BMW X5 | Lexus, BMW

Looking at the sales numbers from GoodCarBadCar, the Lexus RX is the best seller. For Q1 2021, the Lexus SUV sold 27,941 units. In Q1 2022, Lexus sold 26,795 units. In second place for sales, the Acura MDX sold 13,558 units in Q1 2022 and 16,988 in Q1 2021. The BMW X5 is in third place for sales, but just slightly.

As 2022 continues, not everyone has released full sales numbers. From the Q1 numbers, the Lexus sport utility vehicle is definitely still outselling the MDX and the X5. The midsize luxury SUV segment has a lot of variety, which means each car doesn’t sell that many units. But as it stands right now, the RX is still the most popular luxury SUV.

The best SUV, according to Consumer Reports, is the BMW X5

The Lexus RX is in the lead for sales, but Consumer Reports gave it a different rating. Out of 31 luxury midsize SUVs, the 2022 BMW X5 is in the top spot. With high marks on the road test, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction, the X5 is a recommended buy. Owners noted the driving experience, comfort, and styling.

Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning are all standard. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the BMW the Top Safety Pick award. It also racked up top scores on all of the crash tests.

The 2022 Lexus RX L snagged second place. This Lexus sport utility vehicle had above-average scores across the board, plus a third row for even more room. In third place, the 2022 Lexus GX impressed the experts. Then in fourth place, the 2022 Lexus RX sits. Consumer Reports gave the most popular luxury SUV the “recommended” label and a high overall score. In areas like the road test, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction, the 2022 RX received above-average scores.

Depending on your budget, both luxury sport utility vehicles will work

The most popular SUV isn’t always going to be the best choice, but in this case, it is still a good option. The 2022 X5 has a higher starting price, between $60,600 and $106,100. For the 2022 Lexus, the pricing is between $45,920 and $58,110.

Brand loyalty might come into play when making a final decision here more than the designation of the most popular luxury SUV. Those who favor the BMW brand will probably stick with the X5. The Toyota and Lexus brands have a history of keeping buyers around for a long time. Either way, both vehicles are reliable and safe, which matters the most.

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Staff Writer

Amanda Cline

Amanda Cline is an avid fan of Formula 1 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2021. A Southwest Floridian, she easily and often finds automotive events to attend in the Tampa, Orlando, and Miami areas.
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s in English Literature and a Master’s in Technical Communication. Combining her editorial and digital media expertise, Amanda served as a content creator for FanSided and now provides our readers with a variety of automotive subject matter like pickup trucks and SUVs, including valuable consumer advice.

Amanda closely follows many F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Her all-time favorite author is Shel Silverstein.